The Connections Program NIGHTMARE

[stephcm]

This program was mentioned on Mousesavers for great savings on stuff at WDW - especially vouchers for lunch and dinner at B&C.
Well...
I want to let you all know that I have had nothing but problems since joining Connections! First of all it took several phone calls, and promises of being sent membership packets just to get a membership number. Then, I placed one order that went through fine (let's see if I receive the vouchers!), but the second order was "unable to be processed" with no explanation. When I called (the first time) I was told that it was pending approval of my credit card, which makes no sense. It said nothing about that on the site when I placed the order, and I have a big credit line on my card.
Now, for the last 2 days, I have tried to access the site, and it says that they are updating the database. I called this morning and after being on hold for 20 minutes, was told they are having problems and can't access my account! Now I am on hold for a supervisor. The gentleman I am talking with keeps coming back to tell me that there is no supervisor and to call back. Well, I'm like a viper, and won't take that answer! So I'm on hold AGAIN for a supervisor!
I just want to know if my second order has gone through!!!!
Okay, I vented.
Now I have a voice mail!!!! I am assuming this is for a supervisor. It asks for a "detailed message". Boy, did she get one, lol!
If this is what this program is like, I want people to know it isn't worth joining even for a month for what you have to go thru!!!!!
Has anyone else had these problems?

 

[CarolMN]

There have been enough reports of problems with Connections to discourage what little interest I had in joining this program. FWIW, MouseSavers does not endorse Connections. Here is the disclaimer at the top of the MouseSavers info on Connections:

I provide this information purely as a service to MouseSavers readers, because the Connections web site does not give very extensive information. I receive no compensation from Connections. Be aware that while I've had emails from dozens of people who say their orders from Connections were filled quickly and correctly, and they were very happy with the prices, Connections has also had some significant glitches (duplicate orders, duplicate billing, items not sent out quickly due to problems with the Connections order system, inconsistent information given out by Customer Service, etc.). If you do decide to order from this company, I strongly recommend that you use a credit card, NOT a debit card, as this gives you more protection if you are double-charged. As far as I am aware, Connections has always corrected the errors eventually, but use Connections at your own risk! I assume no responsibility for the accuracy of this information or the business practices of Connections.

 

[stephcm]

I got an email from Mary, because I had emailed her. I knew she didn't endorse them. I just wanted her to know, that I, too am having problems with them like others.
Buyer BEWARE, lol!!!

 

[DisneyKidds]

In over a year we have never had a problem with Connections (knocking on my wooden desk ). Sounds like your particular problem at the moment is rather temporary and chances are it will be resolved shortly. However, good to let people know there can be good and bad experiences.

 

[marymrg]

I couldn't access their site all weekend. I wanted to look into the program........but maybe I shouldn't! Is this the only type of program out there where you can buy food vouchers?
MaryG

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Not to discount your experience, but perhaps Connections is having "technical difficulties." If in fact they are experiencing problems with their website/computer databases etc., it would sure explain why their site is down, why your order was not processed and the high level of calls they seem to be experiencing (based on your long wait time and long hold time etc.). Hopefully, they will get their technical difficulties taken care of and you'll have no more problems. Any company can have this happen although I know how frustrating it can be to try to deal with it.

I placed many orders through Connections during my year-long membership with only 1 fairly minor problem. Thankfully my problem was resolved (although I did have to follow up to make sure it was done). I would give them the benefit of the doubt this time since it is clear that they are having technical problems of some kind and see if they can get your problems straightened out.

Good luck!

 

[sgtpet]

I have had my own problems with coupons from Mousesavers website for the ESPNZone at the Boardwalk. I was embarrassed when they said they weren't legit. Mousesavers should be more careful who they advertise on their website. Otherwise it is a great and resourceful site.

 

[rugrat]

We used these last August. I had the exact same problems with them! While they do provide good savings if used properly, I didn't think it was worth the hassle. We're going next month and I've decided to skip it.

 

[Juliet25]

Not a big fan of Connections. I joined it last year and had a hard time logging into my account. In fact, after my first attempt, it would not let me log in. Oh, then there's the issue of calling to cancel. In spite of advertising 24/7 customer support, they actually close down their phone lines at 4:00 on Sat. (at least they did when I tried to cancel). So I had to call back Monday (AFTER my 30 day free trial) to get it cancelled and get my money back. A real pain.

I've joined SimpleEscapes and I'm not having any better luck.

Oh, I also never received my $25 gift certificate from Connections, and I'll doubt I'll get it from SE.

 

[stephcm]

I am the original poster here. Guess what came in the mail today? My first order of 10 Q&C vouchers from Connections! Well, I was very happy, and began to think, okay, they aren't so bad after all. WRONG!
I went to the website and it finally seemed to be working fine, so I decided to call and see if they could finally pull up my account. They could. I told the woman that I received my first order today, and was pleased. I then asked what the status was on the order I had placed the next day via Internet (the one that came back "unable to process". This woman reiterated what the woman had told me last week - that they were all set to ship "pending approval of my credit card". I told her this didn't sound right, so she put me on hold for a supervisor. Well, while I was on hold, guess what? I was able to put in an identical order to the one that was "pending approval" and it was accepted immediately!
The supervisor comes back and tells me that the order I placed last week was processed - TWICE!!!!!
So now,all of a sudden, my credit card company has approved the order? And TWICE?????
SHe tells me she has cancelled the order I just made via Internet and not to accept one of the 2 orders that they have shipped!!!!!
Do you get all that? LOL!!!
I am DEFINITELY not keeping this membership!

 

[A kid at heart]

I've got problems too with the simple escapes. I ordered 2 hard rock cards, got charged for 2 and only got one. it took me since sat to get it taken care of, they were having technical problems all day and thrut he weekend. I still can't access my account on the web with them. I hope I get my free card tho. it's a bust in the butt.

 

[realpatt]

I have had no problems with connections and have used them over 7 times in the last year, other than my first order, which was delayed due to inventory problems following Connections being discussed on these boards, and even so they got them to me before my trip.

From another posted:
"I have had my own problems with coupons from Mousesavers website for the ESPNZone at the Boardwalk. I was embarrassed when they said they weren't legit. Mousesavers should be more careful who they advertise on their website. Otherwise it is a great and resourceful site."

I don't know what this is about, because these vouchers are legit and are the same exact vouchers that Disney gives as part of their packages that include meals. I think ESPN Zone should be embarrassed for not knowing what's going on. I appreciate Mary making the information avalible as many of us have benefited greatly from this program. If your out there Mary, thanks!

 

[Mom of 5]

We had some of the the same kind of problems with Connections.
They only sent us part of our order, then when we called to find out where the rest of our vouchers were, they were completely confused. They kept giving us different anwsers. They told us it was a problem with our credit card ... another person said it had been shipped...another person said they didn't know if had been shipped .

We did finally get our vouchers, and they worked great. But, it was hard work and aggravation to get them. At least we weren't double-billed !!

 

[Disneymomma]

I ordered PHP (3), Q&C vouchers (8) and Planet Hollywood Certificates all at the same time. Park hoppers and Q&C vouchers all arrived the third day, and the Planet Hollywood cert. arrived via US mail a couple days later. Everything was fine in my experience from joining to recieving the order. I even called the 2nd day becuase they have no tracking ability on the website. (I wanted to see what day they would arrive so I would not leave when the UPS guy came.) The rep I got transferred me to a manager right away who gave me the UPS tracking #'s and her ID # without me even asking._Totally knowledgeable and polite. Just wanted to say that I had a trouble free experience with them. Also, Miss Mary on Mousesavers has posted that information to help people out, and she does have a disclaimer noted as well as potential problems stated. Without her giving such indepth information on Connections, I probably never would have joined. She provides much more information than does the Connections site, which was so helpful to me! It is up to us to make the decision to join-she just provided information! Thanks again to you Miss Mary!

 

[Gillian]

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles! I hope you get it all fixed soon.

I've ordered from them with no problems at all. I don't think I'd keep a membership myself, but my mom has one, which is great I like the Toys R Us gift cards. You only pay $20 for a $25 GC and you can use it at any R Us store! With a toddler of my own & lots of friends with babies, it works out well. Mom also buys the Barnes & Noble GCs. She has the 10% off card there, so it's her book store of choice anyway. We buy the discounted movie tickets too, although we could get them from other sources (AAA, I'm pretty sure).

 

[Pumbaa_]

Sorry you have had so much trouble with Connections. I joined Connections in January and have had great success with them. I have bought (literally) thousands of dollars in passes and vouchers and have not had a problem. It seems to be very hit or miss on problems. And their customer service leaves MUCH to be desired.

I just keep hoping that I continue to have my great luck with them.

 

[Kimkimba]

I didn't have any problems. I joined the beginning of last week, they gave my membership number online right away, and I ordered 10 Q&C, 3 Breakfast, and 2 lunch vouchers, in addition to Planet Hollywood GC. They arrived on the 3rd day, the Disney stuff in one envelope, and the PH GC in another. All accurate and I was charged correctly. I'm deciding if I should keep it or cancel, but 20% off Toys R Us (I'm thinking we probably average $1000/year there, Olive Garden (another $400 year), and a few of the book stores is pretty good. I may keep it.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I too joined in May of this year and have not had a problem. My vouchers came quickly (days) and just last week I ordered the Blockbuster Gift Cards and Movie passes to UA theatres. My GC's came last saturday and the MOvie passes today.
I am keeping my membership and have paid for the year. I don't mind following up to make sure I have been properly billed, as I do this with all my CC purchases especially online. Their site is user friendly and I have not had a problem with online ordering. I have seen people go through more hassle than what Connections is reported to be (i.e. mycoupons, ebates, frequent flier miles, which I use also) to save money and I definitely have more time than money so Ill be giving them my Entertainment dollars for another year.
I guess it just depends on how patient you are and give them a little cushion when ordering just in case there are problems. Connections has been around for years in some shape or form so I know they are legit and will correct any errors that may occur.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I joined last Mon (using the trial membership only) and got the Q&C vouchers by FedEx on Thurs. I haven't had any problems with them as of yet.

 

[jamounger]

I also joined connections last week (about 2a on Sat) I recieved a number immediately though i haven't gotten any emails yet. I ordered meal vouchers and they arrived on Tuesday. The charge hasn't even shown up at my bank yet.